By Apple enthusiasts are buzzing after a rare discovery unearthed a hidden gem from the company’s past. The YouTube channel Apple Demo stumbled upon a prototype third-generation iPod containing an unreleased Tetris-like game called “Stacker.” This exciting find sheds light on Apple’s early forays into gaming on its iconic music player.
The unearthed prototype, marked “DVT” for Design Validation Testing, suggests it was in the mid-development stages. While the device initially wasn’t fully functional, Apple Demo revived it, transforming its internal hard drive into a working second-generation iPod. But the real prize lies within the unearthed games—”Stacker” is the star of the show.
While details about “Stacker” are scarce, its resemblance to Tetris is undeniable. Both games challenge players to rotate and arrange falling blocks to complete lines. This discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into what could have been – an iPod that doubled as a portable gaming device.
The prototype also housed other unreleased titles like “Block0” and “Klondike,” hinting at a broader gaming vision Apple might have considered for the iPod. However, these games remain unplayable for now.
The unearthing of “Stacker” has sparked discussions among Apple fans.
Some speculate that Apple might have scrapped the gaming feature due to technical limitations or a shift in focus towards music playback. Others wonder if the discovery hints at a potential future revival of iPod gaming – perhaps as a software update for classic iPod models or even a new iPod iteration with retro gaming capabilities.
Only time will tell if Apple will revisit its gaming ambitions for the iPod. But one thing’s for sure: the discovery of “Stacker” is a delightful reminder of Apple’s history of innovation and its occasional detours down fascinating, uncharted paths.
